What to expect
What's in the kit
Painting technique
Troubleshooting
Brush & paint care
Framing & gifting
How difficult is it, really?
Honestly, it can be tricky. Some areas are genuinely fine and detailed — this isn't a five-minute coloring page. If you're new to painting, expect a few zones to test your patience.
But that's kind of the point: slowing down is part of the deal 🎨.
How long does it take to finish?
It varies a lot depending on the illustration and your pace, but most people spread it over several sessions rather than one sitting.
Think "weekend hobby," not "Netflix episode."
Is this suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, no prior painting experience is required, the numbers guide you the whole way.
Just don't expect gallery-level precision on attempt number one 😅.
Can I pause and come back to it later?
Absolutely, take as long as you need. Just remember to close your paint pots between sessions so they don't dry out.
Pro tip: the paint stays workable for weeks if the pots are properly sealed between sessions.
Is it messy to paint with?
Not particularly, the paint is water-based and cleans up easily with water. We'd still recommend covering your table, just in case.
Your dining table has seen worse.
What's included in the kit?
Everything you need: one illustration to paint (24.5×32cm, 350gsm paper), a full-color reference with tips, a sheet of numbered stickers, two brushes, and several pots of bio-based acrylic paint. The whole kit is designed and made in France.
Basically, the only thing missing is you.
How many colors are included?
The number of colors varies by illustration, check the specific product page for the exact count.
More colors, more decisions, more fun.
Is the paint safe to use?
Yes. It's water-based, made in France, mostly from naturally derived ingredients, with low VOCs and very little odor.
Breathe easy, literally 🌿.
Are the brushes reusable for other projects?
Yes, they're proper brushes made in Bretagne, France, not disposable ones. Clean them well and they'll happily outlive this project.
What size is the canvas?
24.5 × 32 cm, printed on 350gsm paper, check the product page for the exact format if it varies by illustration.
In what order should I paint?
Start with the lighter colors and move to darker ones — it's much easier to fix mistakes that way. Then work through the large areas first, then move on to the smaller details.
Basically: big and bright before small and dark 🖌️.
What if a small area has no number?
Some tiny areas are left blank on purpose. Just check the full-color reference, or follow your instinct.
Consider it the kit's way of trusting you a little 👀.
Any tips for really small details?
For very small areas, a fine liner or a similar-colored marker works great for the finishing touches.
This is where your steadiest hand finally gets to show off ✒️.
Should I use tape around the edges?
It's optional, but adding masking tape around the paper sheet gives noticeably crisper edges.
Weirdly satisfying, we won't judge if that becomes your favorite part.
Can I mix colors to create new shades?
Technically yes, though the kit is designed so you don't need to. If you're feeling adventurous, go for it, just do it on a scrap surface first.
No refunds for accidental mud brown.
How thick should I apply the paint?
A thin, even layer is enough, you can always add a second light coat if needed. Thick globs tend to crack when they dry.
What if a color looks too light once painted?
Take a bit of paint, add a tiny touch of a darker shade with the tip of your brush, then mix and adjust gradually until you get the color you want.
What if the paint feels too thick?
Add a small drop of water and mix. Just go easy on it — too much water dilutes the paint and the numbers start peeking through again 👀.
What if the paint dried out in the pot?
No need to worry 🙂. Add a few drops of water and mix. Also remember to close the pots after each use so they don't dry out.
What if something is missing from my kit?
That shouldn't happen, but mistakes do 😅. If a brush, sticker sheet, or pot is missing, reach out to our customer service with your order number and we'll sort it out.
Don't throw away any packaging until you've checked everything's there, it makes resolving a missing item much faster.
What if I run out of paint?
The pots may look small, but you'll only use a little at a time — there's generally more than enough for the whole illustration. We don't currently sell refill pots separately.
I made a mistake, can I fix it?
In most cases, yes. Let the paint dry fully, then paint over it once it's dry. Acrylic paint is forgiving that way.
Almost every mistake here is fixable with a little patience and a dry brush. This isn't a permanent marker situation.
How do I clean my brushes?
Rinse them well with water after each color, and give them a final clean with soap and water once you're done painting. Let them dry flat or upright, bristles up, to keep their shape.
Your brushes deserve better than living in a cup of grey water forever 🧽.
How do I store leftover paint for later use?
Make sure the pots are fully closed and store them somewhere flat, away from direct heat or sunlight.
Can I use my own brushes instead of the ones included?
Of course, the included brushes work great, but any fine round brush you're comfortable with will do the job.
Is the paint washable from fabric or skin?
It rinses off skin easily with soap and water. On fabric, it's best treated quickly, once it dries it behaves more like regular acrylic paint.
We'd recommend wearing an apron or old clothes just in case, better safe than explaining a stain to your favorite sweater.
Does the canvas come framed?
No, the illustration is delivered unframed, ready to paint on 350gsm paper. We don't currently offer a frame option, so you'll want to frame it yourself once finished.
How do I frame it once it's finished?
Let the paint dry completely (at least 24 hours) before framing. A standard frame for the illustration's dimensions will do, no custom framing needed.
Why might the colors look slightly different from the box?
The illustration on the box is a printed representation — paint and print don't render colors exactly the same way, so small variations are normal between the packaging, the artwork, and the paints in the kit.
Is it a good gift idea?
Definitely. It works both as a relaxing activity to enjoy yourself or as a thoughtful gift for someone who could use a moment to slow down.
Also works great as a very convincing excuse to get one for yourself too 🎁.
